Drain defects can lead to North Carolina swimming pool accidents

An investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regarding the safety of spa and pool drain covers. They are questioning the testing process that determines the flow rating of these covers. It has been discovered that some laboratories may have used improper testing protocols when certifying these covers to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act). If flow ratings are inaccurate spa and pool drains may fail to prevent a drain entrapment.

Our Greensboro personal injury lawyers are aware of the dangers spas and pools present due to the powerful suction of many pool and spa drains.
Three of the laboratories that test pool and spa drain covers were issued subpoenas by CPSC. The Commission received over 17,000 pages of information including the laboratories testing protocols, the test results and the type of covers tested. The massive amount of information continues to be analyzed by CPSC staff.

Unsafe drain covers in spas and pools endanger the public, something CPSC is trying to prevent. A public meeting was held last week by CPSC staff to seek answers from drain cover manufacturers, testing laboratories and other industry reps regarding current testing procedures, changes to testing procedures and the possible impact on consumer safety. CPSC wants to identify improperly tested covers in order to alert by Memorial Day weekend.

This investigation did not include large, unblockable drain covers and gravity drainage systems.

Pool and spa owners are urged to contact their product manufacturers and service providers for information on the certification and testing of drain covers. Caution should always be taken by parents and spa/pool operators in keeping children away from any pool and spa openings and drains. Non-compliant drain covers pose a risk to swimmers especially in wading pools, shallow kiddie pools or full size pools or spas with single main drain systems.

In December 2007, Congress passed the P&SS Act which went into effect a year later. Now, in order to comply with the law, all public spas and pools are required to install new anti-entrapment drain covers and other back up devices on single blockable drain systems. Pool service operator may have recommended residential pool owners have this safety measure too. All new spas and pools built since 2009 should have these new covers.
If your family is dealing with a defective product accident, contact our North Carolina injury lawyers in Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and throughout the Carolinas. Call the Lee Law Offices today for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 1-800-887-1965.